Worker Gets Prison For Stealing From Church

HONOLULU -- A woman who stole from her church, her pastor and her own daughter faced a judge Monday for sentencing.

The victims of a woman who stole from her church said she took away money and people's faith.

Kimberly Wheeler was the office manager for Windward Unity Church. When she began stealing, some blamed the new pastor.

"The money vanished and people couldn't understand. They were giving the same amount and we didn't have the money in the bank," the Rev. Donna McClure said.

The pastor had a chance to face Wheeler in court.

"Financially we are still in the process of recovering from this," the Rev. David McClure said. "People have left because of this distrust we believe."

Wheeler eventually admitted using forged checks and fraudulent charge accounts to take nearly $45,000 from the church. She also took out credit cards in the name of her teenage daughter. For the long running scams, the prosecutor wanted a 15-year sentence.

"(I'm) extremely sorry. I've hurt a lot of people," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said nine months in prison have scared her away from crime for good.

"I don't even think I could ever speed again. I am so terrified of ever ending up back where I've been. I am sorry. That's all I can say," Wheeler said.

Judge Richard Pollack said a long prison term was too much for a first offense and ordered Wheeler to do another nine months and pay back the money.

The prosecutor said 18 months was not nearly enough prison time, but the victims said they were satisfied, hoping that once Wheeler is free she'll start to pay back some of the money she owes their church.

"Yes, we forgive her, and we look forward to her being a good member of society, now," McClure said.